Chapter 370: Not Optimistic

370. Chapter 370 Not Optimistic

"Supervisor, good morning."

"Master Jiang, good morning!"

"Good morning, Master Jiang."

Early the next morning.

Jiang Cheng and Gu Zhangkong set out, and after a short while they ran into several alchemists.

A few of them gave a symbolic greeting to Gu Zhangkong and then surrounded Jiang Cheng.

"Master Jiang, I heard that yesterday someone broke into the Lian Dan Shi, trying to harm you. Nothing happened to you, right?"

"Yes, Master Jiang, are you hurt?"

"Could it still be those Dawn Society people? That's over the line; Master Jiang has been out of it for a long time, why are they still lingering?"

The few were filled with righteous indignation.

Jiang Cheng's background is no longer a big secret within the community.

After all, with so many Wanted Notices posted outside, anyone curious can inquire and learn.

Jiang Cheng, unsettled by their enthusiasm, quickly waved his hand.

"It's fine as long as nothing's wrong, it's fine."

"If the person is unharmed, that's fine; that guy is too bold, actually daring to come here to kill!"

"Exactly! Including the previous incident, this is already the second, right?"

"Fortunately, our Gu supervisor is capable; those two groups of troublemakers were all killed."

Their gazes immediately fell on Gu Zhangkong.

"Supervisor, I think we must give that Dawn Society a lesson!"

"Exactly, we can't let them keep harming Master Jiang again and again!"

Gu Zhangkong promptly agreed.

He felt both amused and helpless.

The alchemy masters glanced at each other—"you look at me, I look at you"—and finally Xu Hai cleared his throat, "Master Jiang, about a week and a half ago you taught us the Alchemy Technique. We all benefited greatly and have made some progress, but lately we've run into some problems. Could you spare a day to guide us?"

"Yes, yes, Master Jiang."

The others all echoed.

"Alright, in two days."

Jiang Cheng knows that sudden concern always has an ulterior motive.

However, out of respect for Gu Zhangkong, he won't refuse.

"Two days, is that right?"

"So that would be the third day?"

"Alright, alright, it's settled then, thank you Master Jiang."

"Yes, yes, thank you Master Jiang."

They laughed with their mouths wide open.

Gu Zhangkong, standing nearby, couldn't help but smile.

If he was hinting at Jiang Cheng, the latter certainly wouldn't refuse.

But as it stands, the latter's willing acceptance is, of course, the best.

The group entered, and Jiang Cheng, amid the crowd, walked toward the Lian Dan Shi.

Gu Zhangkong watched them leave, and in case of any mishap, he will remain here for the time being.

And judging by the time, that person should have arrived.

In less than half an hour, an elderly man appearing fifty or sixty showed up at the Experiment Building entrance.

The next moment, Gu Zhangkong appeared, and with great respect, escorted the elder into an empty room.

"Zou Lao, please have some tea."

Gu Zhangkong offered a cup of hot tea with both hands.

"No need to be so formal."

The elder surnamed Zou lifted his eyes and glanced at Gu Zhangkong, "Gu family's youngster, to be frank, I'm only a Second-level Spirit Master, my abilities are limited; if the person who comes is too powerful, I can't handle it. However, the money you gave me I will not return. If you accept that, I'll stay; if you don't, then never mind."

Honestly, he agreed to Gu Zhangkong partly for the money, and also because having worked with him many times, he knows the latter is reliable.

Otherwise, he wouldn't want to get involved in this matter. "No problem."

Gu Zhangkong promptly agreed.

"Zou Lao, when the time comes, you may act as the situation dictates; if the incoming person is truly too powerful, I won't object."

"Hmm."

Zou nodded.

"Your words are enough."

"Zou Lao."

Gu Zhangkong still wanted to say something.

He raised his hand and said, "There's no need to repeat what was said before; I'm accustomed to idleness and refuse to be bound."

Gu Zhangkong could only sigh.

Indeed, he had just tried to recruit him.

Even paying several times more wouldn't matter; as long as Jiang Cheng remains unharmed, the investment is negligible.

In the end, just like before, he was rejected.

Which room is that kid in?

Room 19.

Zou Lao immediately used Spiritual Power to look toward Room 19.

Jiang Cheng, who was Refining Alchemy, immediately sensed something.

But this feeling came quickly and went away just as fast.

As Zou Lao withdrew his Spiritual Power, his brows twitched slightly.

He felt this person was a bit familiar?

Right, I have seen him in the Black Market.

The most vivid memory was that this kid got into a conflict with a woman, who tried to strike, but at the crucial moment he blocked her.

Later, he apparently joined a small circle of Spiritual Thought Masters, and consequently, he flipped and joined the Black Market?

"No wonder I haven't met him in the Black Market these few times."

Zou Lao thought to himself.

It's hard to see that this kid is also a Refining Alchemy prodigy, able to earn Gu Zhangkong's such high regard.

Unfortunately, he chose the wrong side.

"I understand, I'll keep an eye out for you."

"Thank you, Zou Lao."

Gu Zhangkong thanked again, "Then I won't disturb Zou Lao any further."

Having said that, he stood up, pushed the door open, and walked out.

Indeed, this elder is a Grandmaster who helps keep order at the Black Market every first and fifteenth day.

Although he is only Second Level, the Psychic Weapon in his hand is a top‑tier S-level Psychic Weapon that can harm a Third-Level Master. With this person's help, his pressure will be a bit less.

However, he knows his fifth junior brother well, and when he has leverage, he won't act inconsistently.

Meanwhile, the elder Zou Lao inside the room shook his head.

Frankly, he doesn't think highly of Gu Zhangkong in his heart.

If Gu Zhanglin were to invite him, he would accept without hesitation, since the former has a great chance of becoming the next Family Head of the Gu Family, and even now, what he can offer is several times more than what Gu Zhangkong can give.

The regret is that he admires them, but they don't admire him; after all, he's already quite old, yet only a Second-level Spirit Master.

As for the person inside Room 19.

The more skilled he is at Refining Alchemy, the less Gu Zhangkong can protect him.

Competition within the great clan is extremely brutal; even among full brothers they slaughter each other, let alone half‑brothers.

Whenever there is any opportunity or sign, others won't miss it—unless they're fools. Gu Zhanglin, are you one? Obviously not.

"Forget it, what does any of this have to do with me? I'm just here to make some money. If there's someone strong, block them if you can; if not, let it be."

He gave a self‑deprecating smile, closed his eyes, and began to cultivate.

(End of chapter)